Water butts are a perfect way of being environmentally sustainable and helping to reduce your water bill. They also make beautiful garden features and certainly don’t need to be eyesores due to their decorative and subtle designs.
If you’re looking to capture rainfall while adding to your garden’s stylish image, you are in the right place. Here are a selection of the best water butts, from contemporary to more subtle designs with alternative functions.
For more garden gear, take a look at our favourite watering cans.
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Best water butts to buy in 2024
Garantia Linus 2 in 1 Water Tank - 220 Litres
This smart water butt harvests rainfall from both the plant-cup top and your downpipes. The planter top lifts out so you can easily personalise the butt with plants of your choice. This also makes the cleaning of the tank an easy process.
It is 120cm in height and collects 220L of water so a great choice if you’re looking for a statement piece for your patio.
Barrique Water Tank - 250 Litres
Buy from Water Butts Direct (£238.97)
We love the realistic wood effect finish of this water butt that's been designed in a classic barrel shape, bringing some additional flair and function to your green space.
There is a brass connection point for a screw in tap as well as a second outlet which drains the water.
The barrel comes with a brass tap and holds an impressive 250L of water, standing at a height of just over one metre. It would be a delightful addition if you’re interested in adding some character to your outdoor space.
Garantia Woody Wall Tank - 350 Litres
Buy from Marshalls Garden (£429.99), Two Wests & Elliott (£429.99)
If you want to store a large amount of water, but save space in your garden, this is a great option. It stores 350L of water and sits nicely against a wall.
The tap allows for easy extraction of water and despite its decorative nature, this item is robust enough to withstand all sorts of weather.
For more space-saving solutions, here are the best mini greenhouses.
Wall-mounted Water Butt - 100 Litres
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This sleek water butt holds 100L of water and can be conveniently mounted to the wall of your house, easily slotting into neat spaces.
The tap can be placed on either side of the butt which is handy when you’re looking for the perfect spot in your garden. It works with all standard round and square down pipes and the butt tops up when it rains thanks to the built-in overflow system.
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Antique Amphora Water Butt - 360 Litres
If you are keen to add a Mediterranean touch to your outdoor space, this could be the one for you.
The large vase-shaped design has a removable planter on the top so you can fill it with your favourite flowers to make it even more attractive.
The chrome tap is included and set-up should be straightforward as it comes with a pre-fitted seal and tap connector so you don’t need to worry about drilling.
Madison Water Butt with Fountain - 185 Litres
Buy from Water Butts Direct (£177.97), Original Organics (£177.97) and Two Wests (£178.99)
Pebbles can be added to this fun water butt to make it a lovely garden feature.
The water barrel holds 185L of rainfall and there is an emptying hose attached for convenient draining.
Water filters through the screen guard into the barrel, making this as functional as it is pretty.
Rainwater Terrace 3 Tier Water Butt With Planters - 200 Litres
Buy from Evengreener (£229.00)
The Rainwater Terrace not only helps you save water but also helps with plant growing.
With a top planter as well as a set of side planters, grow vegetables, fruits, herbs and striking trailing plants and transform this simple water butt into an eye-catching display.
The water you save is used for the plants thanks to the integrated plant growing system so this is a multi-functional water butt.
If you're not sure what to plant, have a look at our list of beautiful flowers.
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Water Butt Bamboo - 110 Litres
The gorgeous dark green colour and durable nature of this water butt makes it an appealing purchase. It has a capacity of 110L and should last for up to 10 to 15 years. It comes with a matching stand, rain diverter, tap and lid.
It is ideal if you’re watching your budget and the bamboo-effect is a nice touch.
Harcostar Water Butt Kit - 227 Litres
Made from recycled plastic this water butt should blend subtly into your green space while storing plenty of rainfall to help with garden tasks.
Standing at just under one metre, this unit is 60 centimetres wide and comes with a stand and diverter kit included so you can collect the water straight from your drainpipe.
The tap is positioned at the bottom so you can easily fill a watering can to hydrate your plants or a bucket if you have a larger job in mind like cleaning your car or washing wellies.
How to choose a water butt
When it comes to selecting the best water butt for your garden, it's essential to consider a few key factors that will ensure you make the right choice. Let's explore these factors in more detail:
Size
The size of the water butt is an important consideration as it determines how much rainwater you can collect and store. Assess the size of your garden and estimate your water requirements.
Material
Water butts are available in various materials, and each comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Plastic water butts are lightweight, affordable, and resistant to corrosion. Wooden water butts provide a natural and visually appealing option, blending well with garden aesthetics. Terracotta water butts offer an elegant and timeless look, adding a touch of sophistication to your garden.
Budget
Consider your budget when choosing a water butt. While it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, investing in a higher-quality water butt can provide better durability and performance in the long run.
Wall-Mounted or Freestanding
Wall-mounted water butts are a space-saving option that can be easily attached to a downpipe, facilitating rainwater collection. They are ideal for gardens with limited space or for those who prefer a streamlined setup. On the other hand, freestanding water butts offer more flexibility in terms of placement within your garden. However, ensure that you have a stable base or stand to support the weight of the water butt.
With the right water butt in place, you can effectively collect and store rainwater, contributing to water conservation and promoting a healthy, thriving garden environment.